A man and his penis share a hollowed relationship. This relationship, like any other, has its quite literal ups and downs. Nearly 15 percent of men are victims of severe Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in their 70’s. While that number may not seem that high, it doesn’t consider the high percentage of men who experience a range of ED. According to the University of Wisconsin’s School of Medicine and Public Health, a man’s chance of mild or moderate Erectile Dysfunction goes up by every decade of his life once he hits 50. For example, half the male population in their 50’s can expect to have ED issues. Sixty percent of men in their 60’s will also have mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, and so on.

Erectile Dysfunction’s root can be a host of things from physical ailments to mental state. Let’s look at five of the most common medical issues that can affect the magic from happening in the bedroom.

Heart Disease

As erections are made with blood flow, it’s no wonder heart health and sexual health are closely connected. Conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure can all be likely culprits when diagnosing ED. These diseases cause narrowing of the arteries which prevents strong blood flow from heading south to a man’s Johnson.

When it comes to ED related to heart disease, take care of the root cause first. Stay away from (or quit) smoking, get adequate sleep and exercise, and eat a heart healthy diet. Work with a trusted doctor for medical treatment and potential a bodywork or meditation specialist for help with stress management.

Obesity

Obesity is not only a cause of ED, it can also contribute to all the other conditions on this list. Medically, it can lead to diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and a string of other diseases. It can also affect a man psychologically because he may lack body confidence or feel self-conscious about this body. This can lead to depression and anxiety.

Obesity has also been linked to lower levels of the hormone, testosterone, which drives erections and libido. So as testosterone diminishes, so does the desire and ability to have relations.

The best way to deal with the issue is to lose weight safely under the supervision of a doctor. Men who lose weight, tend to notice an increase in drive and ability fairly quickly.

Diabetes

Here’s some shocking information. Studies have shown that men with diabetes have a four times greater chance of having erectile dysfunction and it often begins 15 years earlier than the average case. Why? Diabetes not only affects the blood vessels which stimulate erection but also the nerves which maintain it.

Treatment for diabetes is generally an improvement in lifestyle choices (i.e. healthy diet and exercise) and medication.

Sleep Issues: Sleep Apnea & Restless Leg Syndrome

Lack of sleep can be hard on the brain and heart, but that’s not all! More men (and women) are finding that sleep disorders also contribute to sexual dysfunction. A recent study from Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City found that men with more severe erectile dysfunction have a higher risk for sleep apnea. It’s a bit of a case of the chicken or the egg. However, men can turn that around with treatment which may include lifestyle changes and sleep apparatus like a CPAP machine or an oral appliance like a MAD.

In addition to sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome is also linked with ED. So much so that a recent study found that men with restless leg syndrome were a whopping 78 percent more likely to have erectile dysfunction than those that didn’t. The link seems to be a drop in the brain chemical dopamine. Dopamine is one of the hormones the body releases to help a man sleep. Lower levels mean less sleep and more sleep deprivation-related issues like low T and depression. Treatment includes lifestyle changes and medication.

Mental Health: Depression & Anxiety

Last, but certainly not least, mental health also has links to ED. Depression itself can cause a lack of interest and energy for sex; however, many medications used to treat depression also cite erectile dysfunction as a possible side effect. In addition to other types of therapy, sometimes just asking the prescribing doctor for a prescription that does not have an ED history may be an easy fix.

Anxiety, specifically performance anxiety, can also cause ED. Men experiencing from anxiety may see a doctor for therapy or medication.

Regardless of disease, one thing a man can do to prevent erectile dysfunction and retain penis sensitivity is to care for the penis well. Many men choose to use a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) daily for extra vitamins and nutrients, in addition to excellent moisturizing capabilities. These crèmes keep the penis smooth and supple, but also strengthen it with vitamin A and C and amino acids like L-Carnitine and L-Arginine which promote blood flow and protect against nerve damage. It’s more than a penile moisturizer, it’s a penis rejuvenator.